La belle histoire (1992) Movie Script

THE BEAUTIFUL STORY

to my parents...

You do right in being careful.

I wouldn't dare to predict the future

for a very simple reason.

When it comes to humanity

and related questions,

it is impossible to

predict the future.

Why? Because any prediction

would influence our actions.

In science it's different. You can

explain the behaviour of an electron.

The electron doesn't care

and just does it's job.

But once we realize something,

our mind begins to affect our future.

So the big question is,

if this influence is strong enough

to prevent the inevitable.

We ask ourselves if we are

optimists or pessimists.

As for me,

I'm definitely optimist.

As an optimist we can choose,

but for a pessimist,

everything is doomed to failure.

If we, however, decide to make a change

to prevent a disaster, rises...

the chance

that humanity can

continue on Earth,

for example another

thousand years.

Then we can say, "Well, we have

experienced a crisis, but it is over."

Some argue they believe

in the future of mankind.

It's dangerous to say this,

mainly because...

humans have never faced

similar problems before.

Some say humanity has always

solved their problems. That's wrong.

I believe the opposite:

we are unable to solve our problems.

Otherwise, why is there still war,

racism, and oppression in the world?

No doubt. If we look at the wars in

the last millennium of human history,

we see that no nation has

solved their problems.

There's no country on earth without

shameful chapters in it's history,

like oppression, racism

or fighting other peoples.

Compared with any kind of animal,

the human race is much worse

so we can say

with certainty:

humans are less adapted

to their environment.

We can't live in harmony

with the world around us,

which animals perfectly

cope with it.

I think it's now that humanity

must prove itself.

Because there might not be second

chance. It's now or never.

I think, Mr Hubert Reeves,

it's time to tell a beautiful story.

Yes, I agree, a beautiful story

always helps,

especially when it starts

with a song of Jacques Brel...

To accompany you on this journey:

G?rard Lanvin, B?atrice Dalle,

Vincent Lindon, Marie-Sophie L.,

Patrick Chesnais, Paul Pr?boist,

Charles G?rard, Amidou,

Isabelle Nanty, Pierre Vernier,

Jean Benguigui,

Jean-Claude Dreyfus,

Catherine Lachens, Fran?ois Perrot,

Constantin Alexandrov,

Jean-Michel Dupuis,

Jacques Gamblin, Max Fournel,

Arlette Emmery, Elie Chouraqui,

Marie Sara, Jorge,

Amina, Eug?ne Berthier,

Chico, Jo?lle Miquel,

Andr? Obadia,

Marie-Pierre de Gerando,

Nicolas Cuche, Jacques Bonnot,

Martine Lelouch,

Madame Taragona,

Pipo, Elisabeth Croze,

Andr? Tahon, Patrick Edlinger,

Francis Lai, Philippe Servain

and, finally, a big thank you

to G?rard Darmon and An?mone.

I was born

sixty-three years ago.

Like everybody, I was made from flesh,

skin, bones, some blood and enzymes.

Later, I began to have hairs, which

I had almost gone, and marigolds.

Gradually I began to develop a brain.

I learned to read, walk,

talk, swim...

Learned to listen and to hear,

I read a lot and was educated,

I studied religion, my teachers

taught me a lot.

Gradually developed that thing

that Christians call "soul",

and that reminds me of...

the flavour of violets.

That little thing which will

never disappear.

And when this thing in some years

gets out of it's bodily shell,

it will go to another baby.

Perhaps it will be a small hippo.

Or elephant.

A violet, or perhaps a new

human baby which will...

be called Marilyn Monroe.

Why not? Because I believe...

it is so that...

in this tiny little substance you

can find concentrated...

all memories of

my past lives.

In this life, I have met many people

who I don't understand why I meet,

I've had trouble, but I don't

understand why it happens to me.

But if I meet these people again

in another life, I get the explanation.

And it will never end.

So we can conclude that God exists.

He is not evil and not good.

I believe that all this will

lead to something significant,

to a finale, which is infinite.

Come on, Doga!

Come on, Doga, come on!

That's good, Doga!

Come on, Jesus!

Come on, Jesus! Come on!

Good, Jesus!

You're the best!

Come on, Jesus! Come on!

Come on!

Come on...

Come on, Jesus!

Come on, Jesus! Come on...

Yep!

How long has it been?

I was 7 and you were 5.

You weren't even on solids.

Come on, Jesus...

I did it to impress you.

And the worst thing is

I'm dumb enough to try it again.

Come on, Jesus.

For twenty-five years

Jesus is in love with Marie-Sarah.

He was called Jesus, because he was

born December 25th, 3 months too early.

His mother, a pure-bred gypsy

called it the first miracle.

At seven, his was nearly trampled by

bulls and he spent 13 days in hospital.

His mother called his healing

the second miracle.

Today, in 1979...

At the request of Marie-Sarah's father,

who was breeding bulls in Nimes,

Jesus gives her riding lessons,

but he's not good with the lasso.

And this is the third miracle

that happened to Jesus.

Jesus grew up among women

without trouble.

His mother and his three sisters

replaced the absent father.

His mother was very amorous

and her four children...

were from four different men.

But back to Marie-Sarah,

who is about to become the most

famous female bullfighter of the '80s.

Slowly. That's it!

Come on!

Turn around!

Turn around! Face to the bull!

- Face it!

- Like this?

Face it!

More?

Come on! That's it.

Get in line, Marie! Get in line!

Face it!

I'll bring him over!

That's good, Marie!

Hold your hand out!

That one's good, right?

Breathe in!

Nice and graceful.

Your horse, Marie!

Think of the horse, Marie.

Get in line!

It's hard before it gets easy!

Remember that!

It'll never be easy!

Go on!

Go on, laugh.

Why do bullfighters cross themselves?

They pray to the Virgin before...

before they use the banderillas,

they think:

"Maybe the bull's a relative I'll hurt."

You see them...

They jump back

to pluck up courage for the kill.

If the bull put up a good fight,

they cut his ear off.

You can spot people

who used to be bulls.

I've seen so many do this...

...and complain of back ache.

They remember.

Then I understood,

on seeing the animals arrive

in the arena...

I'd wonder to myself what the bull

would turn out like as a man.

Some would be really tough later on

once they learned

how to dodge the banderillas.

Stop! Babette, go!

- Get out!

- Come here, Babette!

Hands off my sisters,

especially Babette!

- She's a customer.

- So you sleep with her?

- She's over 18.

- Even at 60, l?ll stop her coming.

- It?s a free country.

- What you deal in isn't!

- I love your sister.

- And she loves the shit you deal!

I never pissed you off

about your bullfighter.

What's it to do with her?

From now on, I have a word to say

about the bullrings. Okay?

Keep away from Babette!

Let's go!

- Cut it out!

- Mind your own fucking business!

Stop pissing us off!

You're not my father!

Keep still.

Do you realize I love you?

Maybe I should have been born a horse.

By the way,

l?ve arranged a pay-raise for you.

I never asked...

I thought you'd be pleased.

The money doesn't matter.

Marie...

l?ve something serious to say.

For you or for me?

For both of us, I hope.

Hi...

Can we see your house?

My house? Why?

Don't worry, we're not renting.

What have you done now?

God knows. We'll soon find out.

You've no idea?

Stuck here 24 hours a day,

what could I have done?

Yeah? What does that mean?

It?s serious, really serious.

It?s not serious.

You found that in my van?

Original...

I guess you see a lot of movies.

How's Doga doing?

I follow you, I guess.

You'd better.

See you later.

They're here.

I haven't finished.

She's on her way.

Is she a nun?

Wait and see...

Right... This is Bruno.

Zouzou...

- Nanar...

- Delighted.

And the famous Mickey... Odona.

Odo... What?

- What's it mean?

- What's Mickey mean?

Do you always fix dates in churches?

Jesus is the only guy

who never let me down.

Maybe l?ll be the second.

Right, guys, where to?

What does Miss Odona say?

She says Lisieux.

Why Lisieux?

Lourdes is too far for the day.

We'll do a lot of praying together.

St. Th?r?se, here we come!

Come on! Dammit! Shit!

Hey, Zaza... Not so loud!

What do you expect from a guy?

Too much, I guess.

Not tears anyway.

You're right.

You weren't too hot

when the cops stopped us earlier.

We could still be there.

True, and maybe l?d still want you.

- Fran?ois, did you open?

- I locked up last night.

You were pretty far gone!

Morning.

What are you doing here?

Model prisoners

get their sentence reduced.

And as I wanted to see you...

Right, get out or l?ll call the police.

Old habits die hard, I guess.

I owe you nothing.

Sure you don't.

A woman, a job,

a reputation... Nothing.

In any case,

that bullfighter wasn't for you.

- Yep...

- l?ll do you a coffee.

I was up before you.

What do you suggest?

Tell the cops

you planted that shit in my car.

Are you kidding?

You don't kid anyone after prison.

We were good friends...

close friends.

"A former friend was never a friend

"My broken heart will never mend

"An accusation means a lie

"l?ll never forgive

the one who made me cry"

You read a lot inside.

People call you Jesus too much.

I call you a fucker.

A real motherfucker.

STEVE McQUEEN DIES

MITTERRAND TO RUN

How's your mother?

She's in Spain with her new fianc?.

Her life could fill a book.

Know anyone whose life couldn't?

She's the only woman I know

who had four kids

with four different men.

I'm amazed you had three kids

with the same woman.

You don't know my wife.

Until he divorces, no man does.

Hi, Jesus!

How's your mom?

Fine, l?m seeing her in Spain.

- When did you get out?

- This morning.

Your bullfighter married Simon.

What would barbers do without gossip?

Heard from my sisters?

They were doing the beaches.

The beaches?

You'll probably see them

at the bullring tomorrow.

THANK YOU, MR. TRICOT

Sit down.

Well, as I don't want to cry

in front of you,

l?ll open it at home tonight.

Thank you anyway.

The important thing for me today,

for my last class,

if you agree, l?d like to film

your heartfelt beliefs...

My last class in this life, I mean.

I?m off for a little overhaul.

We'll meet in another life

and l?ll ask you more questions.

When we talk about the '80s,

l?ll know what to say.

That's why if you suffer, so do I.

If l?m in pain, so are you.

A plant, everything lives,

suffers and loves. How can I put it?

That's my heartfelt belief.

That's mine

and I want to know what you,

today, what you believe

in your heart of hearts.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah...

When did you get out?

Yesterday morning.

Why didn't you tell us?

I had to find you.

Whose baby is that?

That's Sabaya's baby.

What do you mean?

Who's the father?

The accordion player.

Who are they?

We met them today.

As soon as my back's turned,

you get a baby.

He's fair.

Like golden wheat.

Hey, musician.

You've given my sister a kid.

- Yeah. So?

- Play it straight.

Maybe a mosquito.

Filthy thing!

Oh God, I killed a relative!

I?m not talking rubbish.

I said we were as one,

one single thing.

It?s terrible and wonderful.

It?s a fairy tale.

It?s a fairy tale

even when it's terrible,

even when you think, when you say:

"There's no God,

life is horrible..."

Well... it's a fairy tale.

I?d say nothing ends,

everything goes on well,

and is even getting better.

It?s me!

I invited Mr. Tricot to dinner.

His last lesson was just brilliant!

His stories are amazing,

he's a gold mine for us.

Be nice to your father.

Your mother isn't too good.

He's back from the hospital?

He's in the other room.

I?ll go to him.

Wasn't Mr. Tricot supposed to retire?

He retired today.

It was so upsetting. We all cried.

Hello... How's Mom?

Not too good.

I?ll call the hospital.

Don't bother.

They're bringing her home tonight.

But she was better...

She was...

Well, Marie...

What rubbish did Mr. Tricot

tell you today?

That death

has more imagination than life.

Just think, Uncle, he said

death has more imagination than life.

He said that, Alex?

What a silly thing to say.

Death can't have more imagination

than life, can it?

Marie, you're going to

have to be very brave.

There are difficult days ahead.

This where you grew up?

Babette and I grew up here.

Like it?

Yes. You want to sleep with me?

Have you known them long?

- This afternoon at the ring.

- That's right.

Mercedes, in our family

we need time to get acquainted.

Come on.

A gipsy legend says

you need 39 lives to love someone,

twenty-six to understand them,

and one to betray them.

Know what scares me most?

Seeing your father in the next life...

Your eyes are so bright...

It?s because l?ll soon be a baby again.

Teach him how to eat.

Come on, let's eat.

Like cycling?

I never thought about it. Why?

When I went to Spain

to see Mom's fianc?,

I found a photo of a racing cyclist.

So what?

On the back of it,

she wrote the year of your birth.

What is all this?

I searched through Mom's things and...

Was there a number or name

on his shirt?

It said: "Ripolin".

Ripolin...

Was Mom in the photo too?

Yes.

And she was smiling a lot.

What's her new guy like?

It?s a surprise.

Sorry, officer.

We were going too fast but we're late.

We're really sorry.

- Engine off.

- You're bikers too!

Get off the vehicle

and show me the papers.

You want the papers?

It?s not just speeding.

Where did I put them?

It?s a beauty, huh?

Damn, I can't find them!

Stolen vehicle.

Stolen? The guy who lent us it

never said. The asshole!

Isabelle, it's stolen. No shit!

And the papers?

He gave them to me. I?m looking.

Where the hell did I put them?

I left them at home.

Have you got them?

I?ve got no papers, l?ve got the keys.

The keys!

Sorry, they're at home.

It?s not our fault, we didn't steal it.

We've got a pal in hospital...

It?s important.

We've got to go.

This bike's stolen.

We didn't steal it.

And our pal's really sick, you know.

That's more important.

You're receivers.

And receivers rhymes with stealers.

What do we do then?

I need to see your papers,

your personal ID, I mean.

I forgot everything.

I never do usually.

I forgot. It?s dumb, huh?

It?s dumb alright. Call a car.

Oh no, not H.Q. Be nice to us.

It?s not important.

Oh no, please.

What would you do?

Honestly, if you'd got a sick pal,

l?d let you go.

Find another solution.

I don't know...

What do you fancy?

- Are you serious?

- You bet.

If it makes you happy, l?m happy too.

She found the papers, come here!

- Your friend too?

- Same thing.

No problem.

Well... not in the middle of the road.

Let's ride over to the wood.

- The wood?

- Just over there.

Still want to?

Sure... but it's all so sudden.

Let's go, we're in a hurry.

- And your friend?

- No problem.

Gently does it, Zaza.

The keys!

The bitches!

The fucking keys!

Call a car!

You're incompetent! Incompetent!

You're incompetent.

- It?s not my fault.

- Incompetent!

Marie...

You're there, Marie.

What a nice surprise!

You're 3 years old today.

Only 3! I?d love to be 3 again!

What story do you want to hear

for your third birthday?

"The Bees of Israel."

"The Bees of Israel..."

But I told you "The Bees of Israel"

for your second birthday.

And I told you "The Bees of Israel"

for your first birthday.

"The Bees of Israel."

Alright, the story of

"The Bees of Israel."

He promised this life of misery

would be the last they'd know.

The bees, happy to hear this,

swarmed to Jesus

to savor the nectar of his kindness.

They promised

that whoever tasted their honey

would be protected

for all eternity, Marie.

O Mary. If your mother had

become a bee, she'd be back soon.

A bee's life is short.

Just a couple of days.

Sad.

Yes. But life isn't and

shouldn't be fun.

You know,

my mother was never happy.

Really?

How do you you know?

Dad had affairs all the time.

Maybe someone else

cared about her?

Hard to believe. But I'd be

happy if it was like this.

Happy? But why not?

Yes, I'd be really glad.

I think I know that there was

someone in her life.

Really?

- Yes, really.

- Who is it?

You could guess.

May I guess?

Yes.

- I know him?

- Yes.

I do know him?

It's me.

Well, as you say it...

But you're right, sometimes she

seemed happy. It can't be!

Yes, yes,

she was happy, of course.

I used to be young

and cute.

This is incredible!

Uncle!

What you like,

"Chanel" or "Saint-Laurent"?

Go there! Go there!

To "Saint Laurent"?

Let's go!

What do we need?

Body cream?

No, too heavy smell.

We took the last time.

A bar of soap for the grandmother.

Hello!

Can I try Catherine Deneuve's perfume?

I?d like a red.

Really red, but not too glossy.

Vermillion red, number 23.

Not fuchsia.

The varnish has to go with my lipstick.

Look, this is Rykiel red,

Night and Day.

It?s really vermillion.

And when he's not fishing?

He's very kind to me.

Sure, a new broom

always sweeps clean, right?

What's the guy's name?

Pipo.

Pipo! What a name!

You're an amazing woman!

So Pipo fishes with flamenco

instead of maggots?

Stop it. Here in Andalusia,

even the fish love flamenco.

Little sister's dancing better.

You should see her girls.

What are they like?

You'll see later.

The tourists love them.

And their damn father?

No sign of him.

Hey, Myriam! It?s me!

Jesus!

A few hairs and you don't know me!

Come with me, please.

No way! You'll search us here.

Get the cops if you want

but you'll search us here

and then apologize properly!

Please remove that blanket...

You want me to do it?

Show me what's underneath.

Hands off, okay!

That's clever! And you think

breasts like that are normal?

What's wrong with my breasts?

May I, miss?

- Go on, feel!

- Nothing's hidden there.

Open your coat, please.

What about your belly!

I didn't swallow it!

Open your bag, please.

I don't believe this.

Calm down, we'll try to...

I want an apology now. Apologize.

You've got accomplices.

I?ll find them.

Search the store,

find my accomplices!

Well, in 1949, the whole family

moved to a small village

on the Tour de France circuit.

The Tour de France?

Very nice, and so?

Well, that day,

for your good luck or bad,

a cyclist gave up in front of me.

Gave up! In front of you?

In front of me.

Just in front of me.

So I gave him some water...

And he gave me...

a very nice smile.

And you smiled back!

Yep, and now here I am.

I?d have done the same.

The kids are doing well.

Just look at them!

Myriam taught them mostly,

with some help from me.

We can count on you

to add your grain of salt.

Tell me more about the cyclist.

I don't know him, I never saw him.

I just gave him water.

Okay, but l?m here

so it wasn't just water, right?

That's true, it wasn't just water.

You think it's funny...

Haven't I cried enough?

You never tried to find out

where he was from, who he was?

He just got back on his bike

and I never saw him again.

Hey, he's a hard-hearted one!

Come more often,

I make progress with you.

I?m wondering about the third.

We all are...

I could do a bull's-eye,

call it an accident...

These things happen.

I?ll give you one last word of advice.

The last one, then it's over.

An eye or you talk.

I wouldn't hesitate.

Well, go on then, choose.

It?s up to you.

Two eyes, two bits of information.

Yes, hello, sir.

No, I sent you the letter to thank you

for backing me

for the Financial Brigade.

Figures fascinate me...

And letters too!

Very good, sir,

and a Merry Christmas to you too.

I?ll tell him. Goodbye, sir.

The boss sends his best.

The darts thing is ace.

It?ll work with that damn Bobby,

it'll work.

Trouble is, he's cross-eyed.

I might miss.

Anyone to question two chicks?

- Beautiful ones?

- Beautiful.

I?ll deal with it. Come on.

Let's go.

Shit, they're beautiful.

Play it classy.

Ready?

Not too pushy.

Hello, ladies.

What's that?

Their accessory.

Can I sit down?

I can...

Me too?

Have you been

travelling long by wheelchair?

Since gas prices went up.

- Sorry?

- Since gas prices went up.

I think we should

start this interrogation...

nicely.

Its Christmas, l?m in a good mood,

l?m smiling.

- So is he.

- So am I.

That's easy for you to say.

At Christmas,

we can pardon completely.

Totally.

Completely, totally, same thing.

As long as we get lots of details

and a spontaneous confession.

We stole a watch.

Where did you steal it?

Cartier.

- Not in Paris?

- It?s a jeweler.

Of course it's in Paris!

Which Cartier was it at?

Cartier, Montaigne.

They're rich enough anyway.

Who do you think you are?

- Who am I?

- Yeah.

I?m a cop and a cop asks questions

when he wants.

Especially here.

Today I can be Santa Claus.

We don't believe in him.

In that case, the usual:

Name, surname and address.

No fixed abode.

So how do we ask you to dinner?

Do I know you?

Haven't we met?

I don't know any cops.

Your first arrest?

No.

Did I arrest you?

Where was it last time?

In a church in Belgium.

You collect religious art?

Yeah, especially baby Jesuses.

You don't look like a nun.

- Appearances mislead.

- I only trust appearances.

Well, you look like a cop alright.

Can't you see we want to be nice?

Open the door then.

Can we have dinner?

You're kidding!

STRONGER THAN STEEL

DIDIER LOUIS

Zutemelk, Zutemelk, who was second

at the Tour de France, came in third.

Can you imagine?

Incredible.

Remember his name?

What's his name? Zu-te-melk.

This is for you for some flowers.

And now you're silent?

- Do you still have rabbits?

- Yes.

I had dinner with some pals

who did the Tour with me 40 years ago.

What did they serve up?

Rabbit!

What do you want

after the rabbit?

Jesus! Here! Santa Claus!

Chico!

Chico! Fucking hell! Chico!

So you're Santa?

Yep, l?m Santa this year.

Pretty snazzy.

And you?

Looking for work.

Didn't you come to Paris

for an album?

We're in Paris, but no album.

I?m so glad to see you, dammit!

Chico!

Are you okay?

Yeah, but...

I saw my dad

for the first time today...

What's he like?

As much of a cyclist

as you're a Santa.

- Drink?

- You bet!

My first drink with Santa.

Me too.

- It?ll bring us luck.

- Come on.

Do you often hitch-hike?

Well, each time we need some cash.

What do you mean?

When we need pocket money.

Hold on. Sorry? I...

Usually guys pick us up to screw us.

So we get out a gun or a knife,

dump them and steal the car.

Do you need dough today?

It?s the first time

we've come across twins.

We're a bit thrown.

Enough joking!

C'mon, out!

Out!

Back up, you!

Freeze!

Move it!

Stay there!

No blabbing to the cops

or we'll find you.

What happened?

Two bitches robbed us!

How much is there?

Twice as much as usual.

From now on,

we only work twins then!

They keep saying not to pick people up.

In fact, l?m crazy

to have stopped for you. Get out!

What?

Get out! Police. I?m serious!

Get out!

Twin assholes!

"It's our car! It?s our car..."

Maybe but l?ve lost it.

It?s me. I lost her.

Shit! Two guys picked them up.

I ended up with the two guys

and lost her somewhere.

It?s weird, I know this chick.

I know her.

I?m 100% sure of it.

New hair, new make-up

and that's it,

no one recognizes you.

Why didn't I arrest her?

Because I never had this much fun

following someone!

You feel like helping some people.

Does that suit you?

Haven't you ever felt like that?

C'mon, clear off

and don't come back!

That fucker was in my van!

I?m no whore! I?m no whore!

You piss me off, l?ve had it.

You're shit in bed!

You can go fuck yourself!

Go on, fuck off!

Cunt! Bitch!

Fuck off, Martine!

Or else you'll be in for it!

I?ll fucking get you!

What do you want?

- I want Mr. Bonnot.

- I?m Mr. Bonnot.

Chico sent me.

Come with me.

- He said you had a job free.

- Yes, I need a biking ace.

Horses are more my scene.

Ah, we've only got wooden ones.

Let's talk anyway.

Fuck, we'll all end up gay.

How much?

It?s a gift.

It's so moving.

You're skeptical.

It?s hard to believe

animal lives are periods of rest.

But yes.

They do nothing.

They eat, drink, sleep, reproduce...

Like us when we're on vacation.

It?s an opportunity to think

about life and stock up on ideas.

I don't know...

Shall I wrap your mother?

- Thank you so much.

- My pleasure, miss.

Tell me, trees and flowers.

Where do they stand?

I was rocked by fairy tales,

my parents made puppets

and so I was brought up

by puppet stories.

Look Kraki,

even if it's not as old as that,

we'll make a killing

with a piece like this!

No, the first Christ

date from the 10th or 11th century.

This one is from Christ's day.

It?s hard to believe.

I?m not convinced.

But Pierre says so

and the market listens to him.

When's he going to speak?

As usual, when he's sure.

$1.5 million.

Dollars, yes.

There'll be a fight.

If Pierre says it's genuine,

every museum in the world

will want it.

We'll have the lab results

around 7:00 p.m. Will you call back?

Alright, Kraki. Goodbye.

Why the hard-sell on Kraki?

We may sell the world's top forgery

and l?d rather a bastard buy it.

This should be in a major museum.

I?ll do everything possible for that.

- That's your belief?

- Yes, and the evidence is slight.

Come here.

See that? What is it?

The irreparable damage of time.

It?s a bee.

Why a bee just there?

Who knows? He liked honey so...

That's funny. But not that dumb.

We'll have two bikes,

then three...

For the finale, they'll cross paths

three times in a row!

All for 10 francs!

Lovers of spectacle and sports,

get your tickets here!

We live life to the full!

Let's hear it!

Is it working?

I can't hear a thing!

It should work, it's hooked up.

I can't hear him.

Is that you, Jesus?

I can hear him. Speak louder,

Pipo hooked this up!

Give him my love.

Jean-Luc Limousin

on his wheels from hell!

He risks his life on each lap!

Let's give him a big hand!

I read your sister's hand.

You're going to meet a woman.

You saw that in Myriam's hand?

Her hand or yours, no difference!

You've never read hands that well.

Hurry, cars are coming.

Calm down a bit!

I?ll end up in prison, not you.

I?m the one up here.

If you borrow,

remember to pay back.

If I borrow,

l?ll remember to pay back.

Follow the river and reach the sea.

This is the sea.

Right, left, ahead, behind,

Paris is the sea!

Yes, Paris!

We'll bite it, devour it!

Close your eyes.

Keep them closed.

Fire.

Death. That's interesting...

Death next to Love.

Love passes via death,

not your death...

Paris, we're here, don't worry!

The big wheel, big thrills.

Let's go!

C'mon all you Parisians,

big wheel, big thrills!

Come in.

You sent for me?

Yes, no more swimming in my pool.

Sorry?

No more swimming in my pool!

What pool?

Martine, my wife, is my pool!

You're mistaken.

I don't do things like that.

I?m a dumb asshole, huh?

No, but I can't help it

if your wife's eyes undress men.

You're calling her a whore?

Mr. Bennet, you've hurt me all day,

now I pity you.

- Is that all?

- That's all.

We're now going to sell lot 13,

this wonderful Christ,

which recently hit the headlines

and which was discovered

in the conditions you know of.

Is it real or a fake?

That's for you to decide.

To help you, our expert,

Mr. Pierre Lhermitte,

has provided the latest X-rays

which you have examined

and on which he has based

his heartfelt belief.

This Christ apparently dates

from the first century.

With this in mind,

bidding opens at 5 million francs.

5 million!

I knew the price was reasonable.

6 million!

7 million.

- 8 million.

- 500!

8.5 million! 9...

10... 11...

I didn't see you behind the gentleman.

12...

13 million.

Thirteen isn't a lucky figure,

let's hope that tonight...

13 million...

18 million in New York,

a good day for Jesus!

19 million.

20... 21...

21 in Paris. 23...

24...

25... 26...

Here come the Japanese!

Things are going to start

heat up now.

26... 30...

30 million!

32...

Paris?

35 million...

40 million in Japan.

Come on, France!

40 million in Japan. Please...

40... 41...

42...

43... Thank you.

43... 44...

45... 45 million.

47 million in Tokyo.

Let's keep it in France...

48 million...

48 million.

Not your bid, ma'am.

49 million...

49 million, sir.

52... Smile, sir,

that's all the lady wants.

52... We can't let

this Christ go to Tokyo.

Christ wasn't Japanese.

52 million...

52 million, l?ll have to...

52, once...

52, twice...

I can't. Sir, make an effort

to keep this Christ in France.

Come on, France! Make an effort!

We can't let this Christ go!

55 million, no, 54, sorry...

54.5 and it's yours, sir.

Ma'am, smile at him, please.

Smile at him.

54 million. Well, I have to do it.

54 once...

54 twice...

I can't believe it.

54 twice.

Go ahead, sir, kiss her hand.

That's not enough, sir,

you have to say 55.

This Christ, the first Christian

is going to leave

for the land of the rising sun.

Sold. Thank you.

Twenty years!

I?ve had enough, I tell you!

Screw your wheel!

You're glad enough

to get the cash from my big wheel!

For Christ's sake!

You get everything I make!

Cut the crap, Martine, okay?

Just tell me the truth.

Where were you?

At my mother's.

Goddammit! I said cut the crap!

You piss me off, Martine.

I?m so fucking sick of you!

What the hell is this? Cut it out!

Where were you?

Up there,

floating above all the assholes!

- It?s not a hotel!

- I stop anyone stealing it!

What's up? Tell me!

The big wheel, the wall of death,

and her too... l?m selling the lot!

Sell it, and I won't have to

see your ugly mug!

Okay, okay...

- It?s not okay!

- She's screwing around!

Screwing around? Prove it!

She's the proof.

Look how she's dressed!

You love her like that!

I love her in long dresses!

A long dress? For fuck's sake!

Go away...

You're the fairground Gloria Swanson!

Just look at you,

you're made to be cheated on!

- What a morning...

- l?ll kill you some day, Martine!

Why? He's pissed off

'cause you look good.

I like him! I do!

Make the most of it!

I fancy him, not you!

Hello, children.

Hello, flower lady.

My secret is that bees

never sting good children.

Bees do sting sometimes...

No! Not good boys and girls.

Really? Let's see.

Has anyone been good enough

to kiss the bee?

Now we'll see if it stings.

Salom?, do you want to kiss it?

Come on, Salom?.

No, l?m scared.

If you're scared, that means you're

naughty. Have you been good?

Kiss the bee then.

I?m too scared.

You're a good girl.

It won't sting, I promise.

You can kiss it. She promised.

Well done, Salom?!

Any other good children?

Come on, hurry...

Morgane and Julie... Come on.

Well done!

Come on, Morgane, kiss the bee!

You too? Alma, do you want to?

And you, Julia?

You know that means good luck?

Thank you, Mrs. Bee,

for being nice to the children.

Have you been good too?

Wait a minute, we'll see.

Does it tickle, miss?

How far is it going to go?

Now, if you listen hard,

the honey and hives are buzzing

with this unbelievably strong love

which is still alive after 2,000 years.

When you eat that honey now,

you feel the same

amazing sensation as Jesus,

the wonderful feeling

of happiness and fulfillment.

What you'll do best

won't be what you learn at school,

especially what you learn here,

but what you learned long ago.

It takes centuries

to know a thing and how to do it.

Love is always the result of a journey

and an experience.

For instance, I had my love for bees

way before I started studying them.

I felt I knew them

and I was related to them.

It?s the same with people.

When you meet someone

and feel good with him or her,

you know them already.

Once, in the mountains, I was on a face

and I knew how to climb it.

For some reason, I felt I already

knew the mountain from somewhere.

Our best deeds are the result

of our subconscious.

It?s the memory without memory

that inspires our greatest acts,

the memory of nothing

which knows everything about us.

How can we find

the memory I mentioned?

By not being scared to question it.

Just as the Earth needs space,

we need our dreams.

They're our eternity.

No dream is innocent.

Don't be scared to remember them,

to use them, above all use them.

Don't be afraid

because nightmares always end

with beautiful stories.

Can we shoot a round?

Its closed, sir.

Well, open up, my man!

I can't do that.

I just change the bulbs.

Do you know who I am?

No, but l?d like to.

The Count de Gerando,

lord of the manor and mayor.

Five hits and the Count gets a teddy!

Careful or l?ll close you down.

Go ahead, I just work here.

That's the rules.

Five hits and you get a teddy.

The rules are this is my land.

As you want it,

but five hits gets you a teddy.

Too bad! No teddy!

You asked to see me, sir?

Yes, Marie, come in...

Sit down.

I sent for you

because l?ve had a lot of letters

from parents concerning you.

Too many letters.

And they aren't writing

to congratulate you.

They complain about your methods.

If you're selling, l?ll buy.

Selling what?

You keep going on

about selling the whole lot.

So l?m buying.

You won the lottery?

You could say that...

I need to know

where the money's from.

Let's just say it's a miracle.

That's normal if your name's Jesus.

Is the cash clean?

It soon will be.

Monsieur Maillot said it all time.

Monsieur Maillot taught history.

In this case, Monsieur Maillot

talked about an experiment

with blowflies in a matchbox.

This is not...

Watching the flies one can

understand human behavior.

But not historical events

like the Napoleonic Wars.

I don't understand what the flies

should help there.

Take another letter.

"Mr. Director, I'm concerned

over the fact...

that our children are taught

not to trust their parents..."

- It's not true! - But parents

often spoil their children.

- But...

- The child itself knows...

what it will benefit from.

And the parents are trying to drown

that inner voice in the child,

that tells them the truth.

Children know what they need.

To go to school for example.

Or not to go...

Then why go to school at all?

When they can decide alone, they'll

go to school because they want it.

Otherwise, it's better

they don't go.

Then they choose to not go to school.

That's honest.

Isn't that important learning?

Basically only few people

know what they need.

Well, you can't force this.

And here's a letter

from Mme Lopper,

"Our daughter Salome refuses

to eat almost fanatically

that is obviously inspired

from school teachings."

That's not true. Look! Monsieur Maillot

observed animals and concluded...

that any animal that falls ill,

stops eating.

An ill animal stops eating because

it knows their body needs to rest.

Do you think that bees

do nothing but rest?

And ants, too? Have you

read Maeterlinck, von Frisch?

I read them. But insects are so close

to God, that their work doesn't count.

You can say they work for God

as death doesn't scare them.

In three weeks, they know they'll die

in ecstasy in a flower.

It?s like ecstasy.

A bee's whole life is ecstasy.

It?s an endless sacrifice.

You could say it's suicide but it's not.

Death doesn't scare them!

And this business of bees swarming

over Christ on the cross.

Where's that from?

Bees gathered the nectar of Christ

2,000 years ago just like a flower.

They gathered His nectar,

His purest essence,

the transmissible

and in transmissible.

It?s just a story. It?s not fact.

We can tell beautiful stories like that.

It?s a story I tell children.

You know children

take everything at face value.

That's their strength.

That's true, until the time comes

when they learn

Santa Claus doesn't exist.

I want them to believe in him,

l?m sure he exists.

If I tell the pupils' parents

that Marie is staying

to teach about Santa Claus,

what will they say?

I think it's Christmas every day.

We don't see the gifts

every minute brings.

It?s a fairy tale.

We can't see life's a fairy tale.

Centuries ago,

you'd have been burned as a witch

for teaching...

I was burned in the Middle Ages!

You were young then.

I was burned then

so let me speak now.

School is a place where children

have to learn

following a planned program

which can't be disturbed

by dizzy people like you.

So l?m dizzy now?

I?m afraid we'll have to

dispense with your services.

You know I respect you greatly

and this won't change

my opinion of you.

I?ll give you the references

you may require

to find employment

in a private school

where your theories

may be accepted

La belle histoire (1992) - full transcript